There’s a game-changer brewing in the world of cattle farming, and it’s all thanks to a little Aussie seaweed. Imagine a product that can significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle – sounds too good to be true, right? Well, hold onto your hats because it’s about to become a reality.
Olsson’s, a trusted name in the Australian farming scene, has teamed up with Sea Forest to develop a groundbreaking solution. Their collaboration has led to the creation of a revolutionary product that’s set to shake up the industry.
The increasing worldwide population of sheep and cattle presents a significant hurdle in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a byproduct of livestock digestion, poses a particularly potent threat, with a global warming potential 28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Livestock operations contribute up to one-sixth of global emissions, underscoring the urgent need to address this environmental challenge.
Say hello to “Low & Grow” – the world’s first cattle supplement designed to combat methane emissions. Made with SeaFeed, a special formulation derived from native seaweed, this product is a game-changer for farmers looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Murray Olsson, operations manager at Olsson Industries, couldn’t be more thrilled about this innovative venture. “We’ve always been committed to pushing the boundaries of farming practices,” he said. “Partnering with Sea Forest to create ‘Low & Grow’ aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sustainability in agriculture.”
But what makes “Low & Grow” so special? It’s all about the magic of SeaFeed. This unique ingredient contains compounds that inhibit methane production in cattle, making it an invaluable tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The development of “Low & Grow” was made possible in part by the MERiL grant program, a government initiative aimed at tackling methane emissions in livestock. With SeaFeed backed by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness, farmers can rest assured that they’re investing in a proven solution.
Sea Forest was awarded a $1 million commercialization grant by the federal government to expedite the production of their groundbreaking seaweed product. This innovative product is derived from a type of edible seaweed known as asparagopsis.
Asparagopsis was initially identified by a research team led by CSIRO. Their findings revealed that when incorporated into the diets of cows and sheep, this seaweed has the remarkable ability to drastically reduce methane emissions. In fact, it nearly eliminates the production of this potent greenhouse gas altogether.
Professor Rocky de Nys, Chief Scientific Officer at Sea Forest, shared his excitement about the project. “We’ve been working tirelessly to perfect the formulation of ‘Low & Grow’,” he explained. “Seeing it come to fruition is incredibly rewarding, and we’re confident that it will make a significant impact on methane emissions in the agricultural sector.”
Ready to give “Low & Grow” a try? You’re in luck – the product is set to launch this month at Beef 24 in Rockhampton. Farmers can get their hands on it directly from Olsson’s, making it easier than ever to take a step towards greener farming practices.
With “Low & Grow” leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of cattle farming is looking brighter than ever. So here’s to Aussie innovation and a healthier planet for all!
How is the percentage of methane reduction calculated?
In scientific studies, SeaFeed has demonstrated an impressive ability to reduce methane emissions by up to 98%, based on the quantity consumed by the animals. However, in real-world grazing conditions, factors such as environmental variables and the variability of supplementation can affect the outcomes. Typically, farmers can anticipate a reduction ranging from 25% to 40%, depending on the amount of SeaFeed ingested. To estimate the reduction accurately, a mass balance calculation method is commonly employed, aiming for a targeted reduction of approximately 30% in enteric methane emissions.
Is a reduction of this magnitude significant?
Absolutely. Australia’s grazing livestock, numbering around 25 million, collectively contribute roughly 70 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, accounting for approximately 15% of the country’s total emissions. By implementing a 30% reduction in methane emissions, a substantial environmental impact can be achieved. This reduction equates to a staggering 21 million tonnes of carbon equivalent, akin to removing 7.7 million cars from the road. The potential environmental benefits of such a reduction are monumental.
Is SeaFeed safe for animals and food products?
Without a doubt. Extensive research has consistently shown that SeaFeed poses no adverse effects on animal health and has zero impact on the taste or quality of milk or beef produced. Rest assured, SeaFeed is not only environmentally beneficial but also completely safe for both livestock and consumers.
How do you control how much the animal eats?
Supplements in block form are ingeniously designed to regulate consumption, ensuring an optimal intake tailored to the needs of each animal. By formulating these supplements into convenient block shapes, farmers can easily manage the quantity consumed by their livestock. The targeted intake is typically measured in grams per head per day, taking into account factors such as the type of animal and prevailing pasture conditions. This method enables precise control over the amount ingested, allowing farmers to maximize the benefits of supplementation while minimizing waste.
So, what’s the secret ingredient in these game-changing lick blocks?
It’s SeaFeed, developed by Sea Forest and based on Asparagopsis, a native seaweed grown in the pristine waters of Tasmania. SeaFeed contains compounds that inhibit the production of methane in cattle during digestion, effectively reducing their environmental footprint.
This milestone achievement was made possible through the MERiL grant program, a government initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions in livestock. Backed by over 30 peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness, SeaFeed has been rigorously tested to optimize methane reduction while providing essential nutrients for cattle health.
Professor Rocky de Nys, Chief Scientific Officer at Sea Forest, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration. “Our team has spent over two years fine-tuning the formulation of ‘Low & Grow’ to ensure maximum efficacy in methane reduction,” he stated. “Partnering with Olsson’s to bring this innovative product to farmers nationwide is truly exciting.”
Exciting news doesn’t stop there – “Low & Grow” will be officially launched this month at Beef 24 in Rockhampton. Farmers can get their hands on these revolutionary lick blocks directly from Olsson’s, either by calling 1800 804 096 or emailing blocks@olssons.com.au.
With the dairy and beef industries in Australia embracing low-emission products, “Low & Grow” offers an easy entry point into this growing market. As consumer demand for sustainable farming practices continues to rise, products like these not only benefit the environment but also improve profit margins for producers.
So, here’s to a greener future for farming, one lick block at a time!
About Sea Forest Based in Tasmania, Australia, Sea Forest is a leading biotech company specializing in SeaFeed, a revolutionary product that reduces methane emissions in livestock by up to 98%. Learn more at www.seaforest.com.au.
About Olsson’s Established in 1949, Olsson’s is Australia’s oldest family-owned salt and lick block company. Renowned for their premium-quality products sourced from pristine waters, Olsson’s is the go-to choice for farmers nationwide. Explore their range at www.olssonsblocks.com.au.
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